Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrated Around the World

February 10, 2013 10:33 AM

People light firecrackers in celebration of the Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year, in Los Angeles, Sunday, Feb 10, 2013.

People light firecrackers in celebration of the Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year, in Los Angeles, Sunday, Feb 10, 2013.

Photo: Nick Ut, Associated Press

People light firecrackers in celebration of the Chinese and... Photo-4169385.56561 - seattlepi.com

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An Indonesian man of Chinese descent carries joss sticks through the smoke filled Vihara Dharma Bhakti temple on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New year February 10, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Chinese people around the world are ushering in the Year of the Snake with prayers, feasts and fireworks. less

An Indonesian man of Chinese descent carries joss sticks through the smoke filled Vihara Dharma Bhakti temple on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New year February 10, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Chinese ... more

Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe (left) and China's ambassador in France Kong Quan traditionally paint the eye of a dragon in front of Paris City Hall during the Chinese New Year celebrations on February 10, 2013 in Paris. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the 'Year of the Snake'. less

Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe (left) and China's ambassador in France Kong Quan traditionally paint the eye of a dragon in front of Paris City Hall during the Chinese New Year celebrations on February 10, 2013 ... more

In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, fireworks blast on the street corners in Beijing in the wee hours of Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. The annual Lunar New Year fireworks barrage in Beijing was notably muted Sunday following government appeals to reduce the smoky celebrations after air pollution rose to near catastrophic levels over recent weeks. less

In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, fireworks blast on the street corners in Beijing in the wee hours of Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. The annual Lunar New Year fireworks barrage in Beijing was ... more

Photo: Wang Shen, Associated Press

In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency,... Photo-4169398.56561 - seattlepi.com

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People dance in celebration of the Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year, in Los Angeles, Sunday, Feb 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar.

People dance in celebration of the Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year, in Los Angeles, Sunday, Feb 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar.

Photo: Nick Ut, Associated Press

People dance in celebration of the Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New... Photo-4169387.56561 - seattlepi.com

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A Chinese man prays for health and fortune on the first day of the Lunar New Year at Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday. less

A Chinese man prays for health and fortune on the first day of the Lunar New Year at Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New ... more

Photo: Andy Wong, Associated Press

A Chinese man prays for health and fortune on the first day of the... Photo-4169400.56561 - seattlepi.com

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A diver performs the dragon dance during the special program for celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year at Beijing Aquarium on February 10, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. less

A diver performs the dragon dance during the special program for celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year at Beijing Aquarium on February 10, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as ... more

Photo: Feng Li, Getty Images

A diver performs the dragon dance during the special program for... Photo-4169399.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Performers take part in a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good fortune, during lunar new year festivities at the temple of Heaven in Beijing on February 10, 2013. A billion-plus Asians ushered in the Year of the Snake with a cacophony of fireworks and ceremonies to kick off a week of festivities. less

Performers take part in a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good fortune, during lunar new year festivities at the temple of Heaven in Beijing on February 10, 2013. A billion-plus ... more

Photo: Ed Jones, AFP/Getty Images

Performers take part in a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in... Photo-4169378.56561 - seattlepi.com

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A woman tries to stick a burnt out incense on the ground at Dafo Temple in the Lunar new year celebrations in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality early Sunday Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday. less

A woman tries to stick a burnt out incense on the ground at Dafo Temple in the Lunar new year celebrations in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality early Sunday Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are ... more

Photo: Associated Press

A woman tries to stick a burnt out incense on the ground at Dafo... Photo-4169389.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Performers celebrate Chinese New Year on February 10, 2013 during a parade in Paris. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the 'Year of the Snake'.

Performers celebrate Chinese New Year on February 10, 2013 during a parade in Paris. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the 'Year of the Snake'.

Photo: Mehdi Fedouach, AFP/Getty Images

Performers celebrate Chinese New Year on February 10, 2013 during a... Photo-4169379.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Performers surrounded by the crowd hold a dragon as they dance during a parade in Paris on February 10, 2013, to celebrate Chinese New Year. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the 'Year of the Snake'. less

Performers surrounded by the crowd hold a dragon as they dance during a parade in Paris on February 10, 2013, to celebrate Chinese New Year. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the 'Year of ... more

Photo: Mehdi Fedouach, AFP/Getty Images

Performers surrounded by the crowd hold a dragon as they dance... Photo-4169380.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Chinese folk artists perform a play on ice during the Spring Festival Temple Fair on February 10, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with the Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. less

Chinese folk artists perform a play on ice during the Spring Festival Temple Fair on February 10, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is ... more

Photo: Lintao Zhang, Getty Images

Chinese folk artists perform a play on ice during the Spring... Photo-4169381.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Performers take part in a night parade to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year this year marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar.

Performers take part in a night parade to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year this year marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar.

Photo: Vincent Yu, Associated Press

Performers take part in a night parade to celebrate Chinese New... Photo-4169390.56561 - seattlepi.com

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A British police officer peers through lanterns as performers in Trafalgar Square celebrate Chinese New Year in London on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the 'Year of the Snake'. less

A British police officer peers through lanterns as performers in Trafalgar Square celebrate Chinese New Year in London on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the 'Year of ... more

Photo: Justin Tallis, AFP/Getty Images

A British police officer peers through lanterns as performers in... Photo-4169382.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Chinese folk artists perform a play on ice during the Spring Festival Temple Fair on February 10, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with the Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. less

Chinese folk artists perform a play on ice during the Spring Festival Temple Fair on February 10, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is ... more

Photo: Lintao Zhang, Getty Images

Chinese folk artists perform a play on ice during the Spring... Photo-4169383.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Participants take part in the Chinese lunar new year parade in the streets of Hong Kong on February 10, 2013. Chinese lunar new year, celebrated by Chinese communities the world over, falls on February 10 with the beginning of the new moon. less

Participants take part in the Chinese lunar new year parade in the streets of Hong Kong on February 10, 2013. Chinese lunar new year, celebrated by Chinese communities the world over, falls on February 10 with ... more

Photo: Antony Dickson, AFP/Getty Images

Participants take part in the Chinese lunar new year parade in the... Photo-4169384.56561 - seattlepi.com

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A performer takes part in a night parade to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year this year marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar.

A performer takes part in a night parade to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year this year marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar.

Photo: Vincent Yu, Associated Press

A performer takes part in a night parade to celebrate Chinese New... Photo-4169386.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Participants take part in the Chinese lunar new year parade in the streets of Hong Kong on February 10, 2013. Chinese lunar new year, celebrated by Chinese communities the world over, falls on February 10 with the beginning of the new moon. less

Participants take part in the Chinese lunar new year parade in the streets of Hong Kong on February 10, 2013. Chinese lunar new year, celebrated by Chinese communities the world over, falls on February 10 with ... more

Photo: Antony Dickson, AFP/Getty Images

Participants take part in the Chinese lunar new year parade in the... Photo-4169388.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Chinese people light fireworks and burn incense at Dafo Temple in the Lunar new year celebrations in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality early Sunday Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday. less

Chinese people light fireworks and burn incense at Dafo Temple in the Lunar new year celebrations in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality early Sunday Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating ... more

Temple goers burn incense as they pray for health and fortune on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year at Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday. less

Temple goers burn incense as they pray for health and fortune on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year at Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the ... more

A woman burns joss sticks while praying at Longhua Temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Shanghai, China on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday. less

A woman burns joss sticks while praying at Longhua Temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Shanghai, China on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New ... more

A Chinese man, center, yawns as he and other worshippers gather to pray on the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year at Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday. less

A Chinese man, center, yawns as he and other worshippers gather to pray on the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year at Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are ... more

Photo: Andy Wong, Associated Press

A Chinese man, center, yawns as he and other worshippers gather to... Photo-4169395.56561 - seattlepi.com

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A Buddhist monk holds consultations behind burning joss sticks while worshippers pray at the Baoshan Temple during Lunar New Year celebrations in the Chinese border town of Dandong on February 10, 2013. Revellers across the city lit fireworks and prayed as China traditionally welcomed in the 'Year of the Snake'. less

A Buddhist monk holds consultations behind burning joss sticks while worshippers pray at the Baoshan Temple during Lunar New Year celebrations in the Chinese border town of Dandong on February 10, 2013. ... more

In this photo taken on 00:13 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, smog covers the downtown area of Zhushan County, central China's Hubei Province, after residents around the area set off fireworks to celebrate the arrival of Chinese Lunar New Year. Setting off fireworks is a tradition in China during the Spring Festival, which result in air pollution in varying degrees, Xinhua said. less

In this photo taken on 00:13 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, smog covers the downtown area of Zhushan County, central China's Hubei Province, after residents around the area set off fireworks to celebrate the ... more

Photo: Zhang Lei, Associated Press

In this photo taken on 00:13 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, smog... Photo-4169397.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Chinese prayer ribbons hang from a door at the Baoshan Temple after being placed there by worshippers during Lunar New Year celebrations in the Chinese border Dandong on February 10, 2013. Revellers across the city lit fireworks and prayed as China traditionally welcomed in the 'Year of the Snake'. less

Chinese prayer ribbons hang from a door at the Baoshan Temple after being placed there by worshippers during Lunar New Year celebrations in the Chinese border Dandong on February 10, 2013. Revellers across the ... more

Chinese-Filipinos pray at the Seng Guan Temple during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year marking the start of the Year of the Snake in Manila's China town on February 10, 2013, as billions of Chinese worldwide celebrate the occasion. less

Chinese-Filipinos pray at the Seng Guan Temple during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year marking the start of the Year of the Snake in Manila's China town on February 10, 2013, as billions of Chinese ... more

Chinese-Filipinos pray at the Seng Guan Temple during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year marking the start of the Year of the Snake in Manila's China town on February 10, 2013, as billions of Chinese worldwide celebrate the occasion. less

Chinese-Filipinos pray at the Seng Guan Temple during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year marking the start of the Year of the Snake in Manila's China town on February 10, 2013, as billions of Chinese ... more

Indonesians of Chinese descent pray in the smoke filled Vihara Dharma Bhakti temple on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New year February 10, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Chinese people around the world are ushering in the Year of the Snake with prayers, feasts and fireworks. less

Indonesians of Chinese descent pray in the smoke filled Vihara Dharma Bhakti temple on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New year February 10, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Chinese people around the world are ... more

Chinese-Filipinos pray at the Seng Guan Temple during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year marking the start of the Year of the Snake in Manila's China town on February 10, 2013, as billions of Chinese worldwide celebrate the occasion. less

Chinese-Filipinos pray at the Seng Guan Temple during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year marking the start of the Year of the Snake in Manila's China town on February 10, 2013, as billions of Chinese ... more

Performers take part in a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good fortune, during lunar new year festivities at the temple of Heaven in Beijing on February 10, 2013. A billion-plus Asians ushered in the Year of the Snake with a cacophony of fireworks and ceremonies to kick off a week of festivities. less

Performers take part in a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good fortune, during lunar new year festivities at the temple of Heaven in Beijing on February 10, 2013. A billion-plus ... more

Photo: Ed Jones, AFP/Getty Images

Performers take part in a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in... Photo-4169407.56561 - seattlepi.com

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People light a Chineese sky lantern in St. Petersburg late on February 9, 2013 during celebrations marking the start of the Chinese lunar new year and year of the snake on February 10.

People light a Chineese sky lantern in St. Petersburg late on February 9, 2013 during celebrations marking the start of the Chinese lunar new year and year of the snake on February 10.

Photo: Olga Maltseva, AFP/Getty Images

People light a Chineese sky lantern in St. Petersburg late on... Photo-4169411.56561 - seattlepi.com

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A child watches joss sticks burn to pray in the Jing An temple in Shanghai as a billion-plus Asians ushered in the Year of the Snake on February 10, 2013. From Australia to South Korea, millions of people travelled huge distances to reunite with their families for Lunar New Year -- the most important holiday of the year for many in Asia -- indulging in feasts and celebrations. less

A child watches joss sticks burn to pray in the Jing An temple in Shanghai as a billion-plus Asians ushered in the Year of the Snake on February 10, 2013. From Australia to South Korea, millions of people ... more

Lion dancers reach out for a cash gift dangled by a Chinese-owned business establishment in celebration of Chinese New Year Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 at Chinatown district of Binondo in Manila, Philippines. This year marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar. less

Lion dancers reach out for a cash gift dangled by a Chinese-owned business establishment in celebration of Chinese New Year Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 at Chinatown district of Binondo in Manila, Philippines. This ... more

Photo: Bullit Marquez, Associated Press

Lion dancers reach out for a cash gift dangled by a Chinese-owned... Photo-4169418.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Temple goers gather to pray on the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year at Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday. less

Temple goers gather to pray on the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year at Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the ... more

Photo: Andy Wong, Associated Press

Temple goers gather to pray on the first day of Chinese Lunar New... Photo-4169425.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Performers take part in a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good fortune, during lunar new year festivities at the temple of Heaven in Beijing on February 10, 2013. A billion-plus Asians ushered in the Year of the Snake with a cacophony of fireworks and ceremonies to kick off a week of festivities. less

Performers take part in a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good fortune, during lunar new year festivities at the temple of Heaven in Beijing on February 10, 2013. A billion-plus ... more

Photo: Ed Jones, AFP/Getty Images

Performers take part in a traditional Qing Dynasty ceremony in... Photo-4169420.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Firecrackers explode as dragon dancers perform in celebration of Chinese New Year Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 at Chinatown district of Binondo in Manila, Philippines. This year marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar. less

Firecrackers explode as dragon dancers perform in celebration of Chinese New Year Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 at Chinatown district of Binondo in Manila, Philippines. This year marks the Year of the Snake in the ... more

North Korean refugees and their family members pay their respects to their ancestors in North Korea as they celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Imjingak Pavilion, near the demilitarized zone of Panmunjom, in Paju, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions of South Koreans people will visit their hometowns during the thee-day holiday that began Saturday. The banner reads "The 29th Joint Memorial Rite for Ancestors in North Korea." less

North Korean refugees and their family members pay their respects to their ancestors in North Korea as they celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Imjingak Pavilion, near the demilitarized zone of Panmunjom, in ... more

Photo: Ahn Young-joon, Associated Press

North Korean refugees and their family members pay their respects... Photo-4169423.56561 - seattlepi.com

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Performers dressed as mermaids wearing Chinese cheongsam perform in an underwater show at Jakarta's Ancol theme park on February 10, 2013 in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Performers dressed as mermaids wearing Chinese cheongsam perform in an underwater show at Jakarta's Ancol theme park on February 10, 2013 in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

A man prays to statues of gods at Longhua Temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Shanghai, China on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday. less

A man prays to statues of gods at Longhua Temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Shanghai, China on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the ... more

Photo: Eugene Hoshiko, Associated Press

A man prays to statues of gods at Longhua Temple on the first day... Photo-4169426.56561 - seattlepi.com

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People tie wish ribbons to a statue of a god at Longhua Temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Shanghai, China on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday. less

People tie wish ribbons to a statue of a god at Longhua Temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Shanghai, China on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar ... more

Photo: Eugene Hoshiko, Associated Press

People tie wish ribbons to a statue of a god at Longhua Temple on... Photo-4169427.56561 - seattlepi.com

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A worker changes the lights bulbs in lanterns ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations at the Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur on February 9, 2013. Chinese New Year which is also known as Lunar Year falls on February 10. less

A worker changes the lights bulbs in lanterns ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations at the Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur on February 9, 2013. Chinese New Year which is also known as Lunar Year falls on ... more

Chinese folk artists prepare to perform during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at Dragon Lake Park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China.The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. less

Chinese folk artists prepare to perform during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at Dragon Lake Park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China.The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as ... more